A nationwide 3 day bank strike in India has been announced by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to September 30, 2026. The planned strike is based on the banking sector’s demand for a five-day working week. Since the strike falls post a weekend, it is expected to potentially disrupt the branch- based banking services.
When Will the Bank Strike Take Place?
The nationwide bank strike is scheduled to be held from Monday, September 28, Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, September 30.
The timing of the strike could adversely affect the customers as September 26 is the fourth Saturday, when banks usually remain closed.
To reduce the possibility of extended disruption, the Government of India has directed the Public Sector Banks (PSUs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) function normally on Sunday, September 27. Further, the Reserve Bank of India has also approved the operations of bank branches, offices, ATMs on September 27.
Therefore, the customers will have an additional opportunity to complete their planned banking work including branch visit on September, 27.
Key Reasons for the Strike by Bank Employees
The main reason for the proposed nationwide strike is the demand for implementation of a five-day banking week in the banking sector.
The Union Forum of Bank Unions seeking for implementation of a 5 days banking proposal which was agreed and signed in March 2024 under the last wage revision settlement. But there is no final approval regarding the same. Hence, they are going ahead with the strike action.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the unions have raised two demands: implementation of a 5 day working week and withdrawal of the Performance linked incentive (PLI) scheme.
The government instructed that the PLI scheme has been kept in abeyance and the same would be discussed further at the Bipartite level. The issue of 5 days banking is also under consideration.
What is the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU)?
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) is an umbrella body of 7 bank unions including AIBEA, AIBOC, NCBE, AIBOA, BEFI, INBEF, and INBOC. It is responsible for representing several bank employees and officer unions.
The 3 day nationwide strike has been announced by the UFBU from September 28 to 30, 2026. Further, the unions have also proposed an indefinite strike from October 26, 2026, if the five-day banking demand remains unresolved.
Which Banks and Banking Services are likely to be affected?
The major public sector banks such as State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India, and Bank of India are the representatives and participants for the proposed strike.
The crucial impact of the banking strike is expected on physical branch operations. Customers could face delays or disruptions in services like:
- Cash deposits and withdrawals at bank counters
- Cheque related services
- Account opening/ closure and documentation services
- KYC related work
- Demand drafts
- Clearing and settlement activities
- Loan and securities related services
However, there will be no disruption in digital and alternative banking channels.
State Bank of India has advised the customers to use:
- ATMs
- Customer service points (CSPs)
- Internet banking
- Mobile banking
- YONO
- UPI
What Should Bank Customers Do?
To safeguard themselves from the potential strike affects, the customers should take a few precautions:
- Complete important branch visits before September 26.
- Withdraw sufficient cash for essential requirements.
- Use UPI, Mobile banking and Internet banking for routine transactions.
- Check whether a particular bank advisory is issued by your respective bank.
- Complete time sensitive cheque deposits and documentation in advance.
